Karate Kid

Karate Kid 

An article taken from Rotten Tomatoes

When a 12-year-old from Detroit moves to China with his mother and incurs the wrath of the class bully at his new school, he makes an unlikely ally in the form of his aging maintenance man, a kung fu master who teaches him the secrets to self-defense. Upon arriving at his new school, Dre Parker (Jaden Smith) develops a powerful crush on pretty classmate Mei Ying. The feeling is mutual, although the cultural divide between Dre and Mei Ying makes a friendship unlikely, and romance impossible. When cruel classmate and kung fu prodigy Cheng learns of Dre's feelings for Mei Ying, he harasses and humiliates the young outsider in front of the entire school. With no one to turn to for help, Dre confides his fears in kindly maintenance man Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), a kung fu master who knows that serenity and maturity -- not punches and power -- are the true keys to mastering the martial arts. As Dre prepares to face down his intimidating tormentor, he begins to realize that the real fight is just beginning. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rov

From this article I have learnt that Dre Parker holds certain similarities to Ninja Child. Both characters are determined yet have a sense of immaturity due to their young age. They are focused on the challenge that is the presented and find a way to overcome it. 

Evaluation Question 7

Looking back at your preliminary task, what do you feel you have learnt in the progression from it to the full product?

Preliminary Brief: Film and edit a character opening a door, crossing a room and sitting down in a chair opposite another character. A couple lines of dialogue must then be exchanged between characters & match on action, shot reverse shot and the 180 degree rule should be demonstrated

Main task: The titles and opening sequence of a new fiction film, to last a maximum of two minutes (all video and audio material must be original, produced by candidates and, with the exception of music or audio effects from a copy-right free source)

Pre-Production:-

By constructing a preliminary media product before proceeding to the main task helped greatly. I was able to develop the required skills in order to produce my full product. The brief was to film a character opening a door, crossing the room and sitting down in a chair. It was vital that we also kept 180 degree rule, match on action and shot reverse shot as our main priority. To begin with, we researched on these three key features which allowed us to move onto the pre production section of the task. The pre- production consists of planning the product which required organisation and research skills. These skills were developed as I progressed onto the opening sequence, making the transition from preliminary and main task easier because I knew what was expected in planning.

The pre production included a:

·       Treatment

·       Script

·       Storyboard

·       Location recce

·       Shooting schedule

·       Casting

For the preliminary task the planning aspect was much simpler in comparison to the main task. The planning process for the preliminary task was not given much thought. Later this was a problem as our group were unprepared when it came to actual production. However we learnt from our mistakes and produced an in depth detailed analysis and research when we moved onto the main task. This benefited me in particular because I was able to understand that planning is key in order to produce an opening sequence. In the planning section, we began with the treatment and it outlined the basic narrative of what would happen in our prelim task. The location recce proved to be beneficial for both the preliminary and main task. We were able to note possible problems that may occur on the day of production such as lighting and sound. The first storyboard we made didn’t have much of a variety of camera shots/angles. We made a number of drafts before selecting a final one which had a selection of over the shoulder shots, close ups, long shots.

Production

The production process was the chance to become familiar with the hardware such as the camera and tripod. As I was now familiar with the technologies it helped greatly in the main task as I knew how to handle equipment. On the day of production, we decided to shoot according to our shooting schedule, allowing us to have time if we needed to re-shoot any other scenes. No major problems occurred in the production process and seemed to run smoothly and efficiently. In the preliminary task, I took on the role of continuity meaning I was focused on the key features that are in the brief such as the 180 degree role, shot reverse shot and match on action. I was allocated this role on the main task also, so for me it was easy to adapt as I had already experienced this role previously.

Overall what I learn was:

• Planning and research are vital when producing an opening sequence. If you fail to plan or research when you get to the production stage you wont really know what’s going on
• I noted the importance of time management and hitting the deadlines that have been imposed. If we had gone over time we wouldn’t of been given another chance to shoot the preliminary task
• I learnt how to handle camera and tripod equipment
• Shoot many takes so you have a variety when you come to editing
• Understood the match on action, 180 degree rules and shot reverse shot. These rules should be applied in our opening sequence

Evaluation Question 6

What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

From constructing our media product I gained a better understanding of the specific technologies required for our opening sequence.

The equipment we used was:

• Canon XHAI Camera-

During shooting we used this camera, a vital element required to film the footage. We ensured the camera had full battery and a tape fitted inside before production. From the prelim task we already established an understanding of how to handle the camera delicately. We were able to manage the camera carefully when moving to location. Once attached securely on the tripod we checked the settings, adjusted the zoom controls and the camera shot/ angle making sure it fitted the final storyboard. Difficult shots included a slow pan of the ‘Ninja Childs’ head quarters which showcased his obsession with the images and articles plastered on the wall. We used the arm of the camera to navigate the camera from left to right. The camera operator (David) watched the LCD monitor to see how it is captured on camera. Once the director (Shazleen) said ‘Action’ we made sure the camera was focused and visually capturing all on screen. My role consisted of continuity; therefore I did not have main control over the camera technologies but was still able to learn some fundamental features. Overall, I learnt how the key features of a camera and the importance of the making sure each shot is focused before the camera is rolling.

• Tripod-

We used the tripod to balance the camera to get stable and steady shots. The tripod proved to be useful when we needed precise framing. For instance, with the long shot of the ninja child the framing had to be positioned correctly to capture not only the actor but the tree behind him. When on location we attached the camera and ensured it was securely fitted into the tripod by screwing the bolts. Once the camera was attached we adjusted the tripod to fit out preferred camera shot/ angle. The spirit level was checked and adjusted so the bubble was is in the centre so the positioning is accurately balanced. When the tripod was safely secure we began filming the scene. If we wanted to change location the camera was detached from the tripod.

• Tracks-

The tracks enabled us to have interesting camera movements. For instance we used a panning shot when the ‘Ninja Child’ is moving towards the tree. At first we attempted this shot with a hand held camera but due to the camera shaking we incorporate the use of the tracks. By using the tracks the camera movement was more smooth and efficient. I was able to learn that changing the way the shot is constructed produce more of a variety and makes it more interesting.

Our opening sequence has a non-diegetic soundtrack consistent throughout so we did not need a sound kit on set. The sound was later applied in the editing process.

• Editing software-

The post production process required transfer footage from the tape onto the editing software called Adobe Premiere. The process surrounds selecting and cutting the shots and ordering them to produce an opening sequence. I was not familiar with the key aspects of the software Adobe Premiere, therefore had to quickly learn all the features for the editing process. The rushes were attached to the computer with the use of the firewire lead. The following step was to insert the Lacie drive were our work is saved. Every time we needed to edit the Lacie drive was needed to open up the footage. To begin with we digitised the rushes, and then proceeded to edit the clip on the timeline. The razor tool enabled us to cut the clip in the timeline into two different shots. For us this was a fast and efficient way to identify what the shots were because we were able to label them. After unwanted shots were deleted we continued to cut by using the dragging and cutting tool. The zoom tool allowed us to be more accurate with the dragging and cutting tool due to the timeline being magnified.  In our opening sequence, we speeded up the shot of the tree to create a time lapse. When the group had put all shots in order title shots were added; a technique which proved to be harder than anticipated. Our group had to go on a different computer to select which font to use then transfer it onto the editing software. The final step on this software was the soundtrack which was edited and added to the timeline.

The technologies used enabled us to follow the rules which include match on action, rule of thirds, continuity and the 180 degree rule.

•  Before shots were cut there was no match on action. The editing software allowed us to cut shots therefore we were able to use match on action. An example of match on action is when the man is running it is a long shot and as soon as he stops it becomes an over the shoulder shot
• The tripod balanced the camera providing an opportunity to use accurate rule of thirds. With this equipment the shots were balanced and now important parts of the shots are identified. For instance, in the close up shot of the ninja mask, it is the main focus
• With the camera we took many takes to keep to the 180 degree rule and continuity.

• Problems with the technology-
• In hindsight I think our group should have considered the soundtrack for our opening sequence before setting up production. In this case, we would have saved a lot of time in the post production process.
• While editing the footage we noticed that a lot of shots didn’t work and we should have done more takes so we have more of a variety and more interesting shots
• On certain angles it was difficult to balance the tripod and hold the camera steady. Later when editing we discovered many of the shots were not steady or accurate. This proved to be a problem because we couldn’t find a suitable shot to use in the opening sequence.
• When we edited the time lapse there was a limit concerning the speed on Adobe Premiere

• Overall what I have learnt is-

• I was more familiar with editing software such as Adobe Premiere. It took a long time to get use to all of the tools on this programme due to my skills on editing being very limited. However, my knowledge of the features began to develop as we progressed with the task.

• I learnt how to handle cameras and tripods when on set. Hardware should be handled delicately and with care.

• Certain technologies can help you follow important rules such as match on action, 180 degree rule, continuity and rule of thirds.

• In addition, I know that safety shots should always be taken, so you have more variety. It’s good to experiment and add ideas in order to make the opening sequence interesting for the audience. 

Evaluation Question 5

How did you attract/address your audience?

The poster is promoted and marketed to appeal to a male target audience. In terms of age the poster attracts a young group (7 to 15 years old) who have an interest in playing video games, watching cartoons and watching action films. The overall layout is simple and basic therefore easily understandable for a younger age group. The dark colours in poster 1 present a sense of mystery so the audience are intrigued to find out more about the film. In addition, the red and black showcased are fitting for a young male audience. The images we included are of the main character which is obviously a young boy who wants a challenge and an adventure. All features suggest that it is light hearted which is not to be taken too seriously so is not appropriate for a mature audience. The film poster is most likely to be discovered in teenage boy magazine. The magazine is more appropriate for this particular target audience so there is more of a chance of the primary audience coming across the film poster.

A key aim of the opening sequence of ‘Ninja Child’ is to gain attention and generate interest. To begin, the opening sequence starts with a slow zoom out of the sword and the ninja mask, which captures the main features that relate to the film. Within the opening sequence we incorporated a series of long shots that only showcase the back of his head. The ninja’s identity is not revealed, therefore enforcing a sense of mystery and therefore achieving the aim of keeping interest. As the film progresses there are various cuts to the Ninja Child’s images and articles that all relate to the subject matter of ninjas. From this we can gather that this child has an unusual obsession with ninjas. In the beginning the Ninja Child is established as an inconspicuous character who the audience know little about. The majority of shots are close ups of small details in order for the audience to ask questions throughout. The main character builds a sense of interest which effectively attracts and addresses the audience. The fast past cuts in editing promote an energetic mood. The upbeat soundtrack is consistent though out the opening sequence, to reflect the codes and conventions of a children’s comedy. The playground music is remixed to resemble a ninja soundtrack, which enforces a comical effect. In addition, the costume the ninja is wearing is all black, indicating that he takes himself too seriously and again reinforcing a comical element which addresses the audience. 

Children’s comedy should intend to create laughter; the audience expect this to be present within scenes. In this case, we achieved this with the use of props. The ‘Ninja Childs’ props include a plastic sword; a ninja mask and a ‘Fight me’ sign to make his immaturity evident and clear in the opening sequence. From our research we concluded that comedy is popular and will appeal to the target audience range of 7-15 year olds.

Karate Kid shares a similar theme in which the subject matter of a challenge is proposed. Researching films that consist of a similar theme to our opening sequence enabled us to have a better understanding of what is normally expected in films of this nature. Likewise to our narrative, Dre Parker faces a challenge to overcome bullies and triumph to success. Both characters demonstrate personal growth, a following theme that can be applied to our film. The matter of a challenge is prominent throughout the film and is key aspect to the narrative. The audience begin to question the outcome the film such as will he succeed or fail his challenge? With this the audience, are gripped and continue to watch on to discover more.

In conclusion, our film has effectively attracted the primary and secondary audience. We researched successful films that share similar themes and researched the codes and conventions of children’s comedy, effectively resulting in the audience being addressed and attracted.

Evaluation Question 4

Who would be the audience for your media product?

In our group we defined a target audience in order to market our product for the people who are most likely to purchase it. On the target audience has been identified we can convey our film to attract the target audience.

The primary demographic attributes include males with an age range between 7-15 years. Any ethnic background but English language is necessary, in order to understand the film. The lifestyle of the primary audience may include playing video games, reading comic books, watching action films, watching cartoons and being creative or imaginative.

The secondary demographic attributes include females with an age range between 7-15 years of age. Any ethnic background but English language is necessary, in order to understand the film. The lifestyle of the primary audience may include playing video games, reading comic books, watching action films, watching cartoons and being creative or imaginative.

The target audience and the main character share similar traits and interests. In doing this, the main focus of the film instantly becomes more relatable. 'Ninja Child' is also around a similar age to the target group, which again makes it more relatable for them. The film 'Ninja Child' presents the codes and conventions of a typical children's movie. Therefore it attracts a younger demographic because it includes adventure and humour that is not fitting for a mature audience. The features of the film build expectations to consist of a children’s comedy. Once the target audience is established in terms of age, gender and interest we are able to advertise the film to produce the maximum results.

The purpose of the poster is to advertise the product in order to generate interest and attract the target audience. To begin with, for poster 1 we selected a dark colour scheme in order to appeal to the male demographic. The deep red and the black are masculine colours therefore making it appropriate for the target audience. In addition, the black establishes a sense of mystery which is fitting for the subject matter of ninjas. However the use of the red makes it not as masculine meaning it still posses the capability to appeal to the secondary audience which is females. The white outline on the typography brightens the overall mood of the poster so the dark colours are not too over powering and it still provides the feel of a children's film. The second illustrates brighter use of colours because instead of a black and red background we used a simple image of a tree. The colours are universal so again they appeal to the primary and secondary audience.

Films that our primary and secondary audience would be interested in watching go as followed:

• Karate Kid- Dre. Parker shares the same values as the ‘Ninja Child’. Has determination and drive in relation to the challenge
• Kick-Ass- the main character is a self made super hero like ‘Ninja Child’ believe their fantasy and reinforce it in their own world
• Shrek- similar comical element that are fitting for a children’s comedy
• Toy story 3
• Scott Pilgrim v The World

The films mentioned are associated with children’s comedy. They share the same themes, type of characters, elements and scenes which are included in our ‘Ninja Child’ film. 

Evaluation Question 3

What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

Distributers are responsible for the promotion and release of the film. Market distributers conduct a strategy to showcase the media product to the exhibitors. The strategies may include an advertising campaign such as trailers, posters, and commercials to create a sense of exposure for the media product. Not only is attention gained, the process makes films accessible for the target audience. In order to do this the film will be screened in cinemas such as Vue, Cineworld or Odeon. The marketing distributers act as a ‘go between’ with the purpose to connect the target audience with the media product.

Our low budget independent film is unlikely to be taken on by a mass media institution. For instance, Warner Bros are normally associated with box office hits that attract a mainstream demographic. In this case we understand that a large distribution corporation is not likely to consider launching ‘Ninja Child’. An appropriate media outlet would be an institution that upholds an interest on British low key independent films.

A potential distributer that would consider our film is the Guirella-Film institution. The organisation states on the website, “We are constantly looking to take on more British and Irish films and help reduce the backlog of films that are trying to find any kind of UK release. Our only secret is that we take on a few films each year and treat them as if they are our own. We therefore have to do everything we can to make these films succeed in order to continue what we are doing” The company’s ethos demonstrates a general interest in British and Irish films, both theatrically and on DVD. This particular organisation would effectively provide the opportunity to generate exposure for ‘Ninja Child’ and for a successful release. The distributer also has connections with leading UK chains- UCG, Cineworld, UCI and VUE as well as numerous independent cinemas. With the links the organisation has, it will result in the film being screened to a large audience.

A following distributer that would consider our film is Metrodome who pride themselves in delivering exceptional campaign releases. A UK based organisation that “excel in creating bespoke, cost effective release strategies to maximise returns for all stakeholders. We pride ourselves on our unrivalled market knowledge and ability to adapt to our clients needs in a fast changing media landscape.” Their distribution process aims to make independent films more recognisable to build interest.

An alternative method would be to use the internet as a distribution outlet. The advantage is that this method is cheap and you don’t have to go through the time consuming process of approaching a market distributer to consider the film. Websites such as Youtube and Facebook are fast growing sites, meaning media products will be simple to advertise. However on the other hand, this method will not benefit you financially. The audience are watching the film for free meaning no costs will be contributed towards the film. In addition, many will possibly overlook your film because it is in competition with the thousands of other films that have also been uploading and distributed on the internet.

 

Film festivals such as the British film institution offer a diverse range of independent low budget films. According to the organisation it is “the lead body for film in the UK, with the ambition to create a flourishing film environment in which innovation, opportunity and creativity can thrive” Over an amount of days the film would be screened, therefore a basic way to connect to a wider audience. Film festivals generate a large following because it presents innovative films, therefore is compatible with our media product.

Evaluation Question 2

How does your media product represent particular social groups?

The key figures presented in the opening sequence are proposed to target various social groups. The social groups that our product focuses on is young males (aged 7-15), still in education and those who have an interest in ninjas/ superheroes. In order to achieve representation we made the main character, ‘Ninja Child’; fit the role of a typical character that is normally associated with children’s comedy. A prime example that demonstrates similar attributes would be Dave Lizewski, an average teenager who one day decides to become a superhero despite having no powers, training or reason to do so.

Likewise ‘Ninja Child’ shares similar goals. Dave and ‘Ninja Child’ both believe in their fantasy and attempt to reinforce it into the real world.  The main character in the opening sequence is

• White British male
• 11 years old.
• He is an only child therefore is use to isolation. His loneliness results in him being established as an outcast that is until he follows his ambition to become a self made superhero.
• Ninja Childs outer presence demonstrates a sense of immaturity and confidence. His belief in his goal and ambition is evident in the opening sequence and his childish behaviour is represented throughout. 
• A child who previously got bullied and called names soars to popularity when he dresses and acts like a real life ninja. Soon discovers he is accepted and not deemed as the social outcast when he is being his alter ego ‘Ninja Child’
• However the confidence is only shown when he is as his alter ego, ‘Ninja Child’. Without the superhero persona he is displayed as timid and introvert.

In the opening sequence the audience have the ability to identify the ninja child’s outer presence. His immaturity is established throughout the opening sequence therefore goes in relation to his young age. The series of long shots gave the opportunity to portray the child’s age, therefore successfully representing the social group. The costume is a fundamental aspect of the character, his dressed in black to blend in and remain unnoticed like a real life ninja would. The school trousers reinforce his immaturity and the fact that he is ammeter who lacks the funds to supply proper ninja attire. The props include a plastic sword; with this the ninja child fails to be taken seriously and therefore exhibiting a comical effect. His overall image relates to the average teenager social group, who remain relatively unnoticed until they do something or dress a certain way to gain the attention.

The camera shots capture his actions, therefore providing the audience with the assumption that the ‘Ninja Child’ is attempting to carry out a challenge which is not directly revealed in the opening sequence. From this the audience can gather that the ‘Ninja Child’ takes the challenge seriously, in oreder to represent social groups who have a particular interest in ninjas and superheroes. A figure who exhibits similar interests in Scott Pilgrim v The World who still maintains the drive to rise up to the challenge. To conclude, the characters mentioned and the main character effectively manage to represent different social groups.